TWO stalwarts of a Potters Bar humanitarian group have been given top awards for their long service and dedication. Roger Philpott and John Godfrey have been members of Potters Bar Rotary Club for a combined 53 years. In recognition of their efforts, they

TWO stalwarts of a Potters Bar humanitarian group have been given top awards for their long service and dedication.

Roger Philpott and John Godfrey have been members of Potters Bar Rotary Club for a combined 53 years.

In recognition of their efforts, they have received the Paul Harris fellowship.

Named after the man who founded Rotary in Chicago in 1905, the fellowship is the highest honour a club can bestow on a member.

Roger, 67, has been a member of the Potters Bar club for 37 years.

Speaking about his award, he smiled: "It is a great honour. It is the most prestigious thing you can get in Rotary. It is gobsmacking really."

John, 54, joined the club in March 1993.

After collecting his gong, he told the Potters Bar Edition: "I am really surprised.

"It is an honour - there are only three of us in the club that have got one."

He added: "I am pleased that Roger has got one. It has been long overdue."

The fellowships were presented by president Pat Rowatt and Norman Davison, the only other club member to have been given the fellowship.

Mrs Rowatt said: "I am so proud of both Roger and John and grateful for all they have done for the club.